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Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Sat Oct 08, 16 4:13 pm Post subject: Ivy
Does anyone ever have problems with ivy honey in your hives? I've spoken to a few bee keepers over the year who tell me ivy honey can be a problem as it goes solid and bees can have problems using it in the depths of winter. What happens to any honey that's not used up over winter, does it ever cause a problem filling brood space in the spring?

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15993

Posted: Sun Oct 09, 16 5:55 am Post subject:

I thought it was regarded as a good thing as it gave a late crop. Ours is flowering like anything at the moment. Husband doesn't think it is a problem as they can always always get water from condensation in the hive. The main problem is that some may still be there in the spring, and it does taste very strong, so not a good crop to take off. It does take most bees through the winter, and he doesn't think it is a problem at all.

Treacodactyl
Downsizer Moderator

Joined: 28 Oct 2004
Posts: 25795
Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism

Posted: Sun Oct 09, 16 4:23 pm Post subject:
Thanks MR, I agree about the taste and our colonies smell strongly of ivy as well, they're still feasting on it this weekend.

Mistress Rose

Joined: 21 Jul 2011
Posts: 15993

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 16 7:23 am Post subject:
Should help them get through the winter. Always a good thing for them to have good stores to help them through and to start on the build up again in the spring.

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